The Call of Nys #5 (Waverly Stump and The 7 Realms)

39 - W A V E R L Y

When the Elvenhome drew near, she smelled it first – maple, myrtle and peculiar wood.

Since the realm was protected by the powers of Juniper's magic, the bridge of Bridge could not be accessed for entry – only exit. But Waverly traveled with a companion bearing similar powers as his mother and it was a piece of cake to breech the border.

They simply trotted in.

She threw a glance at Judson as his powers reached out to touch Juniper's, creating a wide passage in thin air. The shimmering line of light formed a circle that she smiled up at whilst passing under it.

Reaching the other side, the border closed up behind them.

"The last time I was here," Judson reminisced humorously, alighting his horse while his eyes traveled the quiet forest. "I took two arrows; one to the shoulder, and the other—"

"Your thigh." Waverly completed with a knowing smirk.

He came up to grab her firmly below the waist and lift her down from her horse. "How did you know?"

Her hands stayed put on his shoulders. "Elves will immobilize the limbs first before other parts of the body. It gives them a far better advantage of winning a fight."

"I forget sometimes that you were raised in Elvish customs." He chuckled, guiding her and the horse toward his own.

Chestnut tailed quietly. The fact that he did not try to sniff or scout the environment was proof he felt comfortable in it.

"And I lived over a year with them, too." She added, glancing about like he had done. "Isn't it queer? The Eastern border is never deserted."

"Believe me, it is not."

As soon as the words were out of Judson's mouth, movements became audible. Waverly was a bit startled when he pulled her to stand behind the safety of his wing, completely obscuring the forest from her view. His stark white feathers, however, were quite a pleasant replacement.

For some reason, she stayed still, even up to the moment she heard him sigh in relief.

"Oh, by the sails of Gayl!" A female voice gasped, her faint footsteps hurrying forward. "You've returned!"

"And I have brought a friend."

Waverly watched his wing fold slowly and her eyes fell on whom he was speaking with. The first thing she noticed was that Phyllis's hair was a rich dark brown. Secondly, it was braided. And lastly, the She-Elf was frozen to the spot.

She broke a grin, regarding her old friend, who had obviously grown so much that she was almost unrecognizable.

"I can't believe it!" Phyllis's whisper was soft and shaky. Tears rolled down her face like raindrops.

Because she was still frozen to a spot, unmoving, Waverly felt obligated to walk to her instead. She cupped the She-Elf's face, coaxing more tears now from both their eyes.

"You're. . . here."

Waverly nodded, unable to peel her gaze off Phyllis's. It felt unreal that she was standing before her. "I can't believe it either."

"mir helédira." Phyllis whispered, drowning her in the tightest hug. (My sister)

For a time, they were glued to each other in silent reunion, until a battalion of Elves swarmed the clearing, all dressed in armor. Waverly detached from Phyllis, noting their faces as each took off his helmet. It came as such an overwhelming relief just being in their midst.

The She-Elf turned to the group, smiling amidst tears. Her voice thundered when she began to speak.

"Sersa Añdéra u'orist imalnor!" (The High-She has returned)